Michael Bishop, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

Architectural rendering by Populous showing the main center-field entry plaza inside the proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium in Tampa, Florida. Set beneath a massive translucent fixed-dome roof, the wide, multi-level concourse features crowds of fans walking past potted palm trees, escalators, and a glass aquarium-like ray touch tank along the left walkway. Above the concourse, elevated seating decks and concourse signage reading "WELCOME TO RAYS BALLPARK" overlook the field, flanked by American and Florida state flags hanging beneath the vaulted structural frame.

Tampa City Council’s 4-3 vote to approve Rays stadium funding is just the first of many steps

The agreement is a framework reliant on many, many steps and processes for all of the elements to be realized.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor August 31, 2026August 31, 2026

Tampa City Council, on a 4-3 vote with Council Members Charlie Miranda, Guido Maniscalco and Lynn Hurtak voting no, approved the funding and development agreement with the Rays at their August 27, 2026 meeting. Despite the language in the agreement being altered right up to the morning of the vote, Council Members Bill Carlson, Luis […]

A watercolor-style aerial architectural rendering of the proposed Ybor Harbor development. The image showcases a U-shaped waterfront bordered by roughly eight modern high-rise towers of varying heights. The buildings feature gridded facades, stepped terraces, and green rooftop spaces, some with swimming pools. In the center, a sheltered body of water contains multiple floating boat docks, a small landscaped island connected by a pedestrian bridge, and several small boats. Wide, tree-lined promenades separate the buildings from the water's edge, illustrating a dense but walkable urban marina.

Tampa City Council’s CRA agenda includes a $50 million request for Ybor Harbor development

Drew Park, West Tampa, and East Tampa’s ‘Gator Building’ are also up for discussion.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

A conceptual architectural rendering of the proposed Tampa Police Department annex on Howard Avenue. The modern white and blue building is surrounded by a manicured green lawn, a winding gray sidewalk, and a white perimeter wall under a bright blue sky with palm trees.

Tampa City Council to discuss Rome Yard changes, and $21.7 million to help relocation of police facilities

Also on the agenda this week is the first public hearing for a proposed change to water and wastewater capacity fees which are similar to impact fees.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

Boston Dynamics Spot robot B69 with mounted sensors standing on a concrete path outside a modern industrial building

Tampa Police Department wants taxpayers to pay $2 million for new guns and a robot dog

St. Petersburg police purchased its robot dog with a private donation.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

Michael Bishop, founder of the Tampa Monitor, speaking into a studio microphone at WMNF 88.5 FM. The person has grey hair and a beard, wearing headphones and a dark blue jacket. The background features a corkboard with various posters, including one for The Beach Boys and an IMAX film.

Tampa Monitor is asking for help to finish building important reporting tools

It’s Sunshine Week, and the website helps all of us keep eyes and ears on Tampa City Council.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

"A map showing the proposed March 2026 Tampa City Council district boundaries as approved by the Hillsborough County Planning Commission. The map features four colored zones: green for West Tampa (District 6), blue for East Tampa and Downtown (District 5), red for South Tampa (District 4), and purple for North Tampa (District 7). The boundaries reflect the latest redistricting shifts over a grey and white street-level street map."

In City of Tampa redistricting, Planning Commission chooses ‘Alternative 2’

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

CityofTampa

Tampa Monitor: City Council to hear update to Land Development Code

There are 73 items on the agenda for Thursday, March 5.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

Aerial view of the Downtown Tampa skyline and the Hillsborough River on a clear, sunny day. The image shows high-rise office buildings, the University of Tampa, and a major highway interchange with cars crossing the river into the urban center.

Tampa Monitor: City Council to hold special call Fiscal Year 27 workshop on Tuesday

The open discussion lets the body discuss budget priorities ahead of the mayor’s presentation.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

Close-up of a RedSpeed speed and red-light enforcement camera mounted on a metal pole against a clear blue sky, showing the high-resolution lens and protective housing used for automated traffic enforcement.

Tampa City Council could vote to approve Flock-integrated speed cameras in school zones

Councilmembers say they are confident data wouldn’t be inappropriately shared.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

A wide shot of the Tampa City Council seated at a curved wooden dais during a morning workshop. Seven council members are visible behind the desk, with the City of Tampa seal and American and Florida flags centered on the wall behind them. A digital overlay in the corner identifies the meeting as a "Tampa City Council 9:00 a.m. Workshop" dated January 29, 2026.

Tampa Monitor: Council approves additional funding for South Howard Flood Relief project

The project’s future is still in doubt after councilmembers approved moving $21.5 million to the effort.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

A daytime street-level view of Rey Park in Tampa. The scene features a corner intersection with a yellow pedestrian crossing sign and a street sign for Howard and Cherry. Large, mature oak trees with hanging Spanish moss shade the park, which is enclosed by a black chain-link fence. In the background, park benches and a small white sign for the park are visible under a clear blue sky.

Tampa Monitor: City council could approve up to $5 million for parks in West Tampa and Gandy

Gandy & Palonis Park, and West Tampa’s Rey Park are up for discussion

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

An infrastructure map highlighting neighborhood relief zones near Hyde Park and the Palma Ceia Golf Course. Major roads like Howard Avenue, Armenia Avenue, and Bayshore Boulevard are labeled to provide context for a city flood mitigation project.

Tampa Monitor: City Council set to vote on ‘Resilient’ South Howard flood project this week

The $64+ million dollar project still hasn’t had a final design or price tag presented but council will be voting to approve an amended $10 million grant agreement Thursday.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor January 5, 2026January 6, 2026

An indoor shot of a formal induction or oath-taking ceremony. The primary subject, wearing glasses and gold jewelry, reads from a certificate while performing a traditional hand gesture of affirmation. In the background, an observer is partially visible holding a small digital camera to capture the moment.

Tampa City Council will honor master clerk Shirley Foxx-Knowles on Thursday

Knowles and Deputy City Clerk Suling Lucas-Harris lead a staff that keeps the city together.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Tampa Monitor: CRA and land use decisions include potential land for TGH facility in Ybor City

Tampa City Councilmembers, meeting as the CRA, will also vote on the CRA services agreement with the city.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

A close-up, low-angle view of the Tampa Police Department building. The exterior is composed of dark stone and reflective glass, with the American flag mounted on the right.

Tampa Monitor: Plan to sell downtown police headquarters is moving forward

The expected selling price is $36 million.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor December 6, 2025December 6, 2025

Low-angle view of the Tampa skyline, showing the historic City Hall building with its clock tower, contrasted against several taller, modern glass skyscrapers under a blue sky with white clouds.

Tampa Monitor: Back from break, council will vote on stormwater, TPD data sharing, and more

In total they will be approving over $90 million in spending.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

High aerial view of the downtown Tampa skyline, showing dense high-rise buildings along the Hillsborough River, which flows into Tampa Bay. Highways and urban development surround the central core.

Tampa Monitor: Council takes another step towards increasing multi-modal impact fees

The fees have not been increased since they were adopted in 1989.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Group photo of six people, including a Black woman in a white blouse (Naya Young, center-right), standing in a city council chamber in front of the official City of Tampa seal and a wood-paneled wall.

Tampa Monitor: Tree trust fund, $350K for the ferry, and a $67 million question in front of city council this week

New Tampa City Councilwoman Naya Young will cast her first votes from the dais on Thursday, Nov. 6.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

View of downtown Tampa skyline centered on the historic City Hall building with its clock tower, flanked by much taller, modern glass skyscrapers, including the PNC Bank building.

Tampa Monitor: City attorney apologizes after proposing policy change that would’ve redefined neighborhood leaders as lobbyists

City Attorney Andrea Zelman said it was never her intent to infringe on the public’s ability to speak to their elected officials or the administration.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor October 27, 2025October 28, 2025

A severe flood scene where a wide residential street is completely submerged under a dark sheet of water mixed with debris and leaves. The water reflects the large trees and palm trees lining the sides of the street under a bright sky.

$4.1 million for South Tampa Howard Avenue flood relief project goes in front of city council this week

And to remind folks, we’re talking about every day summer afternoon thunderstorms flooding.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor October 20, 2025October 20, 2025